Clifton Park soldier advances to one-star general

By Terry Brown, Duty Calls

Published
9:40 pm EST, Sunday, November 25, 2018

Newly promoted New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. John Andonie and his wife, Kathleen, left, join Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, the senior enlisted leader of the New York National Guard, in unfurling Andonie?s general officer?s flag in Latham. (Capt. Jean Marie Kratzer / New York Army National Guard) less

Newly promoted New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. John Andonie and his wife, Kathleen, left, join Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, the senior enlisted leader of the New York National Guard, in ... more

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Newly promoted New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. John Andonie and his wife, Kathleen, left, join Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, the senior enlisted leader of the New York National Guard, in unfurling Andonie?s general officer?s flag in Latham. (Capt. Jean Marie Kratzer / New York Army National Guard) less

Newly promoted New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. John Andonie and his wife, Kathleen, left, join Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, the senior enlisted leader of the New York National Guard, in ... more

Clifton Park soldier advances to one-star general

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New York Army National Guard Col. John Andonie of Clifton Park, an Iraq War veteran, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony at the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham.

Major Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, promoted Andonie during the ceremony.

Andonie became the New York National Guard director of Joint Staff, responsible for coordinating joint Army and Air National Guard operations.

"People are the most important resource of the Army and the New York National Guard," Andonie said after he was promoted. "But those good, hard-working people need to work together as a team to accomplish important missions for the state and nation."

In his new job, Andonie said, he will work to build that team.

He previously served as the chief of staff of the New York Army National Guard.

Andonie was commissioned as an armor officer upon graduating with a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1989. Andonie earned a master of business degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy. He also graduated from the Army War College.

He was first assigned to the 194th Separate Armored Brigade at Fort Knox, Ky., where he served in a number of basic officer positions. In 1995 he was assigned to the 11 Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Irwin, Calif., where he served as a regimental and squadron staff officer. He also served as commander of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11 Armored Cavalry Regiment. The 11 Armored Cavalry Regiment serves as the Opposing Force or OPFOR for Army and Marine armored and mechanized units training at the Fort Irwin National Training Center.

In 1998 Andonie was assigned as assistant professor of military science at Siena College, Loudonville. He served in that position until 2000, when he joined the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division.

As a member of the 42nd Infantry Division he served as chief of plans, deputy operations and operations officer. In 2004-2005 he deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, as the deputy operations officer of the 42nd Infantry Division. After returning from Iraq he served as the commander of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry — New York City's famous "Fighting 69th" — and as the deputy joint operations and operations officer for the New York National Guard.

He has earned a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, and a Parachutists Badge. He also earned an Order of St. George, which is presented to outstanding armor officer, and the Order of St. Maurice, which is awarded to infantry officers who have distinguished themselves.

Andonie and his wife, Kathleen, have two daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth.

Navy supplier

Navy Ensign William Schultz of Gloversville is applying lessons learned from his hometown to help in developing the skills to become a supply officer. Schultz is a 2016 Hartwick College graduate.

"The value of always getting involved wherever you are was one of the greatest lessons from my hometown," said Schultz. "It is not enough just to show up; you have to make the effort to get invested in order to succeed."

He said those lessons turned into an opportunity to learn leadership and the most innovative tactics of naval supply in the world at Navy Supply Corps School, located in Newport, Rhode Island.

"I chose to be a supply officer to use my business administration degree to its utmost and to be a team player in the Navy," said Schultz. "The Supply Corps serves in all areas, whether it be on submarines, surface ships or on the shore. I hope to help and serve with all of them."

He first had to pass a rigorous course structure in order to become a Navy supply officer.

The mission of supply school is to provide students with the personal and professional foundations for success. This mission lends itself to the vision of the school, which is to ensure all supply corps officer graduates are prepared to provide global logistics support to Navy and joint warfare.

Once these service members finish training, they are deployed around the world putting their skill set to work.

"Our graduates, including Schultz, leave this institution prepared to support the war-fighter on land, at sea, in the air, and in the cyber realm," said Capt. Nick Rapley, commanding officer, Navy Supply Corps School. "It is my honor to serve these men and women by providing them with the resources to learn their trade and perform in the fleet. Only a select few will have the privilege of serving as Navy supply corps officers. Logistics support is a critical part of mission success."

Schultz represents a new branch in his military family tree.

"My grandfather, Commander Jack Wright, was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served as a doctor during World War II and the Korean War," said Schultz. "Being the only member of my family currently in the military gives me great pride, knowing that I continue his example of service to our great country."

News of your troops and units can be sent to Duty Calls, Terry Brown, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany, NY 12212 or brownt@timesunion.com.